Exodus 9:3

KJV

Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: [there shall be] a very grievous murrain.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} is {H1961} upon thy cattle {H4735} which is in the field {H7704}, upon the horses {H5483}, upon the asses {H2543}, upon the camels {H1581}, upon the oxen {H1241}, and upon the sheep {H6629}: there shall be a very {H3966} grievous {H3515} murrain {H1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the hand of ADONAI is on your livestock in the field - on the horses, donkeys, camels, cattle and flocks -and will make them suffer a devastating illness.

Berean Standard Bible

then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks.

American Standard Version

behold, the hand of Jehovah is upon thy cattle which are in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the herds, and upon the flocks: there shall be a very grievous murrain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:3 introduces the fifth devastating plague upon Egypt, a severe pestilence known as the murrain, directly targeting their vital livestock. This divine judgment serves as a powerful demonstration of the LORD's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active, precise involvement in human affairs, directly challenging Pharaoh's hardened heart and the impotent deities of Egypt, while simultaneously underscoring God's protective and distinguishing care for His people, Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating series of divine judgments against Egypt, immediately following the fourth plague of flies ([Exodus 8:20-32](/exodus/8-20-32 "The Fourth Plague: Flies")) and preceding the plague of boils ([Exodus 9:8-12](/exodus/9-8-12 "The Sixth Plague: Boils")). The plagues are presented as a progressive revelation of Yahweh's power over all aspects of creation, intensifying in severity and impact with each successive act of Pharaoh's defiance. Unlike the earlier plagues that affected both Egyptians and Israelites, the plague of murrain introduces a significant distinction: God explicitly states that the Israelite livestock will be spared ([Exodus 9:4](/exodus/9-4 "God's Distinction Between Israel and Egypt")), a crucial development that further highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His unique relationship with His chosen people. This plague specifically targets Egypt's economic backbone, setting the stage for even more personal and devastating judgments to follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's economy was heavily reliant on agriculture and animal husbandry. Livestock—including oxen for plowing, asses and camels for transport, and sheep for wool, meat, and sacrifice—represented a significant portion of a household's and the nation's wealth and productive capacity. Beyond their economic value, animals played a crucial role in Egyptian religion. Numerous deities were associated with or depicted as animals, such as Apis (the sacred bull, a manifestation of Ptah or Osiris), Hathor (the cow goddess of fertility and motherhood), and various animal cults. By striking the livestock, Yahweh not only crippled Egypt's economy but also directly attacked the very gods in whom the Egyptians placed their trust, demonstrating their impotence and His supreme power. This plague was a direct challenge to Pharaoh's claim to divinity and his perceived control over the natural world.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute control over all creation, including life, death, disease, and the economic foundations of nations. Secondly, it advances the theme of **Judgment and Justice**, revealing God's righteous wrath against Pharaoh's oppression and persistent rebellion against His commands to [let His people go](/exodus/8-1 "Moses' Command to Pharaoh"). Each plague serves as a consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Thirdly, the explicit distinction made in the subsequent verse ([Exodus 9:4](/exodus/9-4 "God's Distinction Between Israel and Egypt")) reinforces the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness and Distinction** between His people and the nations. This plague highlights God's ability and willingness to protect His own even amidst widespread calamity, a pattern seen throughout the Exodus narrative and beyond, as in the later protection during the [Passover](/exodus/12 "The Passover").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:3 declares, "Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: [there shall be] a very grievous murrain." This verse vividly describes the immediate, direct, and comprehensive nature of the fifth plague, emphasizing its divine origin and devastating scope.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word, used in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. In this context, "the hand of the LORD" is a powerful idiom signifying God's direct, active, and often forceful intervention, indicating power, means, and direction. It underscores the personal and intentional nature of this affliction, leaving no doubt that this was a divine act rather than a random natural disaster.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H1961 (hâyâh), meaning "to exist"; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. The use of Yahweh's covenant name here emphasizes that it is the God of Israel, the one true and living God, who is executing this judgment, further challenging the polytheistic beliefs of Egypt.
* **murrain (Hebrew, _deber'_):** From H1698 (dâbar), in the sense of destroying; a pestilence. This term denotes a severe, widespread disease or epidemic, particularly one that causes death. The addition of "very grievous" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd kâbêd'_) intensifies the description, highlighting the extreme severity and fatality of the plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field":** This opening clause serves as a dramatic announcement, drawing immediate attention to the divine origin of the impending disaster. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) is an interjection emphasizing the certainty and immediacy of the pronouncement. The phrase "the hand of the LORD" explicitly attributes the plague to Yahweh's direct, personal, and powerful intervention, making it clear that this is not a natural occurrence but a supernatural act of judgment. The target, "thy cattle which is in the field," specifies the location and general category of animals, indicating a widespread impact on all Egyptian livestock, wherever they might be grazing.
* **"upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep":** This comprehensive enumeration details the specific types of livestock that will be affected. This list covers virtually all significant domestic animals vital to Egypt's economy, transport, and agricultural sustenance. The inclusion of horses (used for warfare and prestige), asses and camels (for transport), and oxen and sheep (for agriculture, food, and textiles) signifies a total and crippling blow to the nation's wealth and infrastructure. The repetition of "upon" emphasizes the pervasive and inclusive nature of the judgment.
* **"[there shall be] a very grievous murrain":** This concluding phrase describes the nature and severity of the judgment. "Murrain" (דֶּבֶר, _deber_) denotes a deadly pestilence or plague. The intensifying phrase "very grievous" (מְאֹד כָּבֵד, _mᵉʼôd kâbêd_) underscores the extreme fatality and devastating impact of this disease, implying a rapid and widespread death among the affected animals. It signifies that the plague will be exceptionally severe, causing immense loss and suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 9:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the impact and divine origin of the fifth plague. The opening word, "Behold" (הִנֵּה), functions as an **Imperative** and an **Exclamation**, immediately drawing the reader's attention to the gravity and certainty of the divine pronouncement. The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a classic **Anthropomorphism** and **Idiom**, attributing a human physical characteristic (hand) to God to convey His direct, active, and powerful involvement, thereby emphasizing His sovereignty and personal agency in executing judgment. The detailed listing of "horses, asses, camels, oxen, and sheep" is an example of **Enumeration**, which serves to highlight the comprehensive and devastating scope of the plague, ensuring that no vital category of Egyptian livestock is overlooked. The phrase "a very grievous murrain" uses an **Intensifier** ("very grievous") to underscore the extreme severity and fatality of the pestilence, leaving no doubt about its destructive power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plague of murrain powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including disease, natural forces, and the economic well-being of nations. His judgments are purposeful, precise, and directly linked to human defiance, serving as an act of divine justice against Pharaoh's oppression of Israel and his persistent rebellion against God's commands. By specifically targeting the livestock, which were central to Egyptian economy and religion, God demonstrates His supremacy over all false gods and His ability to dismantle the foundations of a powerful empire. Crucially, the subsequent distinction made between Egyptian and Israelite livestock reaffirms God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to protect and provide for His chosen people amidst the judgment poured out on their oppressors. This plague foreshadows God's ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked, a theme that culminates in the final judgment.

* [Psalm 105:29-36](/psalms/105-29-36 "God's Plagues on Egypt")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh")
* [Revelation 16:1-21](/revelation/16 "The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:3 serves as a profound reminder that God is not a distant, passive observer but an active, sovereign Lord who intervenes in the affairs of the world. For believers, this passage reinforces the truth that God is in ultimate control, even amidst circumstances that seem chaotic or disastrous. His promise of protection and provision remains steadfast for those who trust in Him, just as He distinguished between Israel and Egypt. This should cultivate a deep sense of security and reliance on His divine care. Conversely, for those who resist God's will and harden their hearts, this passage stands as a solemn warning: defiance against the Almighty has real and severe consequences. It urges us to humble ourselves before divine authority, to acknowledge His supremacy, and to respond with obedience and faith, recognizing that true prosperity and security come only from aligning with His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific targeting of livestock in this plague challenge our modern-day idols or sources of security (e.g., wealth, economy, power)?**
* **In what ways does God's distinction between Israel and Egypt's livestock encourage or challenge your understanding of His protective care for His people today?**
* **What does Pharaoh's continued hardening of heart, despite escalating judgments, teach us about the dangers of stubbornness and resistance to God's will?**

### FAQ
**What does "murrain" mean in the context of Exodus 9:3?**

Answer: In Exodus 9:3, "murrain" translates the Hebrew word _deber_ (דֶּבֶר), which refers to a severe, widespread pestilence or plague, specifically one that causes death among livestock. It signifies a highly contagious and fatal animal disease, indicating the devastating and comprehensive nature of this divine judgment upon Egypt's vital animal populations.

**Why did God specifically target livestock with this plague?**

Answer: God targeted livestock for several strategic reasons that underscored His power and challenged Egyptian idolatry. Economically, livestock was vital for Egypt's agriculture, transport, and overall wealth, so their destruction inflicted significant and crippling economic hardship on the nation. Religiously, many Egyptian deities were associated with or embodied by animals (e.g., the bull god Apis, the cow goddess Hathor), making the plague a direct and humiliating challenge to their false gods and a clear demonstration of Yahweh's absolute supremacy over them. Furthermore, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 9:4](/exodus/9-4 "God's Distinction Between Israel and Egypt"), it underscored the clear distinction God made between the Egyptians and the Israelites, whose livestock remained unharmed, proving God's protective hand over His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plague of murrain, like all the Exodus plagues, serves as a powerful type and shadow, pointing to God's ultimate plan of deliverance and judgment fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While this plague brought physical salvation to Israel from Egyptian bondage and demonstrated God's power over false gods, it foreshadows the far greater spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death accomplished through the atoning work of Christ. Just as the "hand of the LORD" brought judgment upon Egypt's livestock, Christ, as the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against humanity's sin. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's distinction between those under condemnation and those who receive grace and protection through faith in Him, fulfilling the pattern of divine intervention for His people. Through Christ, believers are spared the ultimate plague of eternal death, receiving instead the promise of [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life") and becoming part of God's new covenant people, protected and distinguished by His grace, as seen in the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") established through His blood.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 7:4

But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

Acts 13:11

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Exodus 5:3

¶ And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

1 Samuel 6:9

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, [then] he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us: it [was] a chance [that] happened to us.

1 Samuel 5:6

¶ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

1 Samuel 5:11

So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

Exodus 8:19

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.